Thursday

Several retailers are following Walmart's lead, requesting that customers no longer openly carry weapons in their stores.

Open-carry laws are on the books in several states, including Texas. (To see a state-by-state breakdown of open-carry laws, click here.)

The latest additions are Walgreens and CVS. Walgreens released this short statement Thursday: "We are joining other retailers in asking our customers to no longer openly carry firearms into our stores other than authorized law enforcement officials."

CVS made a similar move, releasing this statement: "We support the efforts of individuals and groups working to prevent gun violence, and continually review our policies and procedures to ensure our stores remain a safe environment. We join a growing chorus of businesses in requesting that our customers, other than authorized law enforcement personnel, do not bring firearms into our stores."

Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, made its announcement Tuesday, just weeks after fatal shootings in two of its stores, including a massacre in El Paso that took 22 lives.

"We believe the opportunity for someone to misinterpret a situation, even in open carry states, could lead to tragic results," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a written statement. "We hope that everyone will understand the circumstances that led to this new policy and will respect the concerns of their fellow shoppers and our associates."

Walmart also said it would greatly reduce the amount of ammunition it sells.

McMillon, in his statement, said Walmart was not altering its existing policies that allow for concealed carry with a proper permit.

Also this week, Kroger has asked shoppers in open-carry states not to do so in its stores. Kroger owns a number of grocery chains across the country, including Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Mariano's, Ralphs, Roundy's and Smith's.